Do you have an air quality problem in your area?

If you have an air quality problem in your area and you’re not sure what you can do about it, here are some ideas for how you can get started.

What information is available?

The first step will always be collecting information on the air quality. Defra (the Government department with responsibility for air pollution) have information on air quality across the UK. On this site you can:

Is air pollution in my area breaking legal limits?

The UK is required to report on how it is performing against these legal limits. These reports give a good indication of where the problems are. If there is an illegal breach in one area of the UK, then the whole country is in breach. So if you look for your area in the government reports, remember that any law broken applies to the whole country.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which primarily comes from diesel fumes, is a particular problem for the UK. There are dangerous, illegal levels of NO2 in many of our towns and cities. Very often we hear about the pollution levels in central London, but it is a problem nationwide.

ClientEarth are taking legal action against the UK Government for breaches of the NO2 limits. The European Commission has begun legal proceedings for the same reasons.

Can I take legal action?

This resource from Environmental Protection UK summarises the legal framework on air pollution. Legal action may be an option for your campaign, or you may find there is ongoing legal action relating to your area.

ClientEarth has produced a handbook which sets out the legal rights we have to clean air and how we can take action to ensure this right is upheld.

You can stay up-to-date with ClientEarth's case against the UK's nitrogen dioxide breaches on their news page.

Who should I contact to report a problem?

Defra is the Government department with responsibility for air pollution.

How do I start campaigning?

Once you've spoken out about wanting to change something - whether that's to a friend, a family member or to an elected representative - you've started campaigning. Well done.

To build the pressure on the people who have the power to improve your air, you need to raise the profile. Get the word out in as many ways as possible. We can help you get your message out and encourage other residents to join you.